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1. Institution types and Credentials

1.1 Types of higher education institutions:1. University

2. Institute

3. College

1.2 School leaving and higher education credentials: Sudan School Certificate

Technician's Diploma

Diploma

Bachelor's Degree

Bachelor Honours Degree Postgraduate Diploma

Master's Degree

Doctor of Philosophy

Higher Doctorate

2. Structure of Education System

2.1 Pre-higher education:

Duration of compulsory education:

Age of entry: 6

Age of exit: 14

Structure of school system:

Basic

Type of school providing this education: Basic School

Length of program in years: 8Age level from: 6 to: 14

Certificate/diploma awarded: Basic Education Certificate Examination

Secondary

Type of school providing this education: General Secondary School

Length of program in years: 3

Age level from: 14 to: 17

Certificate/diploma awarded: Sudan School Certificate Examination

Vocational

Type of school providing this education: Technical and Vocational SchoolLength of program in years: 3Age level from: 14 to: 17

Certificate/diploma awarded: Sudan School Certificate Examination.

2.2 School education:Basic education lasts for eight years and is compulsory. It leads to the Basic Education Certificate

Examination. General (academic) secondary education lasts for three years leading to the Sudan School

Certificate Examination. In the first two years, students follow the same curriculum. In the final year,

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they choose between arts and science streams. The technical secondary schools include Industrial,

Commercial and Agricultural schools for boys and some Home Economics schools for girls. They offer

three-year courses leading to the Sudan Secondary School Certificate. Vocational Training Centres

offer two-year vocational courses. Admission is based on completion of basic education. Admission to

higher education is based on the results of the Sudan School Certificate Examination.

2.3 Higher education:Higher education is provided by universities, both public and private, and institutes and colleges of

technical and professional education. All universities are autonomous and government financed. The

National Council of Higher Education is the government body responsible for higher education. Since

1990, many government universities have been created, mostly in the provinces. A few private tertiary

institutions have also opened.

2.4 Main laws/decrees governing higher education:

Decree: 1991 Higher Education Act Year: 1991

Concerns: Higher Education

2.5 Academic year:

Classes from: Jul to: MarLong vacation from: 1 Apr to: 30 Jun

2.6 Languages of instruction: Arabic, English

2.7 Stages of studies:

Non-university level post-secondary studies (technical/vocational type):

Non-university level:

Specialized higher education institutions offer courses in music, hygiene, nursing, radiography andmechanical engineering.

2.7.1University studies:

University level first stage:Bachelor's Degree:

The first year of university studies is devoted to basic studies and the major stage is reached with the

award of the Bachelor's Degree in science, humanities and social sciences after another three years. Amore specialized Bachelor's Degree with Honours requires a further year of study. Professional

qualifications need five to six years' study.

University level second stage: Master's Degree:

This stage represents an in-depth knowledge at a certain degree of specialization and requires

individual research; it is reached after two to three years' study. A Postgraduate Diploma is also

offered in certain disciplines, following one or two years' study after the Bachelor's Degree.

University level third stage: Doctor of Philosophy:

The PhD may be reached after at least three years' study following the Master's Degree and requires

individual research work and the presentation of a thesis.

University level fourth stage: Higher Doctorate:

It is awarded in humanities, law and science at the University of Khartoum only, in respect of published

work contributing significantly to the advancement of knowledge.

2.7.2 Teacher education:

Training of pre-primary and primary/basic school teachers

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Basic education teachers are trained in colleges of basic education teachers that are affiliated to the

Faculties of Education of the universities. Basic level teachers holding a Teacher's Certificate can

return to BEd studies after a period of teaching in schools.

Training of secondary school teachers

Secondary-school teachers are trained at colleges for secondary school teachers or at the Faculties of

Education of the universities. Graduates are awarded a BEd Degree. Since 1990, a postgraduate

Diploma in Teaching English at Secondary Level (DIPTEASL) has been offered in Khartoum North.

2.7.3 Non-traditional studies:

Distance higher education:

The University of Khartoum has a School of Extramural Studies and there is also a private Open

University.

4. Admission to higher education

4.1 Admission to non university higher education studies

Name of secondary school credential required: Sudan School Certificate.

Minimum score/requirement: 50%

4.2 Admission to university-level studies

Name of secondary school credential required: Sudan School Certificate

Minimum score/requirement: 73% for the University of Khartoum; 88% for the medical faculty.

4.3 Foreign students admission

Admission requirements: Foreign students seeking admission as undergraduates to higher education

institutions should have a minimum of 5 credits (45%) in the Sudan School Certificate or equivalent and

must fulfil the admission requirements of the University of Khartoum. Only foreign students residing in

the Sudan and foreign scholarship holders are accepted in Sudanese universities.

Entry regulations: Students must obtain a visa.

Language requirements: Good knowledge of either Arabic or English. Orientation programme arranged

by universities.

4.5 Recognition of studies & qualifications:

Studies pursued in foreign countries (bodies dealing with recognition of foreign credentials):

Committee for the Evaluation and Equivalency of Diplomas and Academic Degrees, Ministry of

Education

P.O. Box 2081

KhartoumSudan

Tel: +249(11) 772-515 +249(11) 779-312Fax: +249(11) 779-312

Telex: 22115QRANTDeals with credential recognition for entry to: University and Profession

4.6 Multilateral agreements concerning recognition of foreign studies

Name of agreement: UNESCO Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Certificates, Diplomas,

Degrees and Other Academic Qualifications in Higher Education in the African States

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Year of signature: 1981

Name of agreement: UNESCO Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees in

Higher Education in the Arab States

Year of signature: 1978

4.7 References to further information on foreign student admissions and recognition ofstudies

Title: Annual Admissions Guide

Publisher: National Council of Higher Education

5. Student Life.

5.1 Student expenses and financial aid

Student costs:

Foreign students tuition fees: Minimum: 1500 (US Dollar)

Maximum: 3000 (US Dollar)

Bodies providing information on student financial aid:Department of Foreign Relations and Training, Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research

P.O. Box 2081Khartoum

Sudan

Tel: +249(11) 772-515

Fax: +242(11) 779-312

Telex: 22115QRANT

Deals with: Grants

Category of students: Students knowing Arabic, aged 19 to 26 from various countries in Europe, Asia

and Africa. Scholarship awarded according to cultural agreements.

6. Grading System

6.1. Usual grading system in secondary school

Full Description: Sudan School Certificate: A: 80-100%; B: 70-79%; C: 60-69%; D: 50-59%; F: 49-0 fail:

Highest on scale: 100

Pass/fail level: 50

Lowest on scale: 0

6.2 Main grading system used by higher education institutions

Full Description: A+-F. The Bachelor of Arts is graded: 80-100: Division I; 60-79: Division II; 40-59:

Division IIIHighest on scale: A+

Pass/fail level: C

Lowest on scale: F